Hepatic veno-occlusive disease originating in Ecuador

Abstract

A case of hepatic veno-occlusive disease manifested by massive ascites is described in a 35-year-old female. She had consumed an herbal tea containing a Crotalaria plant species for 6 months prior to evaluation. Inferior vena cava and hepatic veins were patent by angiography. Liver biopsy showed histological changes typical of hepatic veno-occlusive disease, consisting of centrilobular congestion and sublobular hepatic vein obstruction. Complete clinical, biochemical, and histological recovery was documented 1 year after ingestion of the brew was discontinued. This is the first case known to be reported from Ecuador and the first to be diagnosed in the United States.